Café de Nuit

Ever in good mood, Robert takes a swig from a mug on the table and pats Coin on the back with perhaps more strength than he intended


"Way to go, lad, I can see you and I will get along well. I have some of... huh... your interests too hahahahah"


Then, turning to Marilee appreciatively,

"Yes, I can see where you're coming from. I've known many people who scoffed equally at the elegant rapier, while holding heavier swords... however, I can assure you: speed is sometimes much more important and heavy swords can not match the precision of the rapier.... nevertheless, as long as we're on the same side, miss, we don't need to quarrel or challenge. Just rest assured, a rapier is NOT as flimsy as it appears."

For those seeing Thomas for the first time, he is a man of lean and athletic build. He is about six feet tall. He has dark brown, almost raven hair which is jaw length and worn loose and free. He has icy blue eyes. He has a few days worth of facial hair growth on his face and though quite handsome he does not look like the type to seduce his way through life. To the contrary he seems more likely to intimidate his way through a sour social endeavor. He dresses in dark pants with a wide black leather belt in which a pistol is tucked, knee high black leather boots, a simple shirt and a long dark blue traveling coat which is quite worn and faded. An equally worn black leather tri-cornered hat lies on his lap resting upon two crossed weapon belts, each bearing the weight of identical short swords. Tucked in his right boot one can plainly see the handle of a dagger protruding.

Thomas has been watching the other quietly with his square jaw resting upon his fist, his first finger crossing his lips not unlike that of a silencing gesture. His brow drawn down in consideration, he patiently waits for the displays of bravado and showmanship to quiet down before he speaks up to reintroduce himself to the group.

"Again, my name is Thomas Cante. My skills lie predominantly with investigation. I am a student of a wide variety of disciplines chief amongst which are a vast variety of things that do no exist. Plainly I study Folklore, Mythology and Religion." He says this with a slightly arrogant sarcasm. "I wield my blades only when necessary. My first tactic is to observe."
Thomas gets to his feet and strides towards the door. He stops short and swivels on his heels to once again face the group. "Those who would rush head first into danger, stay away from me. I mean that in as much a physical sentiment as an emotional one. I have no time to mourn fools." His eyes coldly scan over the others. "I will be in the common room preparing my equipment."

Looking to the others in their armor, and weaponry the few items Josem carried probably seemed very simple in comparison... His staff was simply carved wood unlike Khalfani, and other than that a small dagger was all that shown on his belt. His clothes were neat and tidy, and quite expensive. His short shiny steel grey hair, and blue eyes lent him a pallor that made him perhaps appear quite unhealthy but his more energetic qualities perhaps lent something to counter act this!

Still being a scholar all the new info is being shuffled about in his brain and sorted just as is the number of forks on the table and the possible inspirations for the small embellishments in the glasses.

'Robert claims only to be a fighter but shows leanings to Sir Coin??!?! My that nick name is awkward when presented with an affectation of status... Perhaps it would be better to use Sir Darren though he does seem to go by Coin? Still were was I... Oh yes, Robert seems to be quite similar in disposition to Sir... Coin?!?! Darren?!?!? I will work on it! I gather then that he may also have some knowledge of the perhaps more shady dealings if not skill in such... Still neither looks overly vicious or dangerous to be a criminal or brigand... As for Khalfani, his admission of magical talent also came with the descriptor of arcane... Yet so far he did not see any spellbook similar to the two he had belted to his hip... Perhaps it was hidden away but such talent would be discussed later surely for it was such a high probability to meet a gnome, but another with magical talent and training? Still he seemed nothing if not friendly! Marilee also was somewhat interesting in that he was unsure what to make of her. She seemed among all here to simply be what she was, a soldier of fortune, and warrior of some skill. Her lack of finesse and overall desire to show her strength and will it seemed in all matters made her seem quite obvious in her behavior! Still looking from her muscled frame and down the length of her four foot blade taller than his own body he did not doubt her words. She was so very different than himself that while obvious to his eyes his mind wondered at the set of circumstances that led to her taking to such a life?'

But Josem having watched the others calmly, found himself to fidget slightly with his shirt collar between two fingers at Thomas's words... He also was one to study the impossible and that which did not exist... But the depth to which the man seemed to be guarded made him wonder what the experiences that led to such a response were? Josem had heard of the horrors that supposedly crawled the land, but his few encounters had left him little more impression than they were mostly exaggerated. Perhaps he had seen otherwise for he seemed to be put off by the confidence of the others a bit... Yes the others were enthusiastic and quite willing to act in their fashion, with all manner of instruments of combat and methodology, but Thomas seemed quiet contrary to them to the point of belittling. Still it was perhaps something that may come up when they faced such a foe but perhaps he was wrong in his observation. Personal motivations had never been his strong suit in interacting with others!

Josem however now lost more in thought than before suddenly seems to catch onto something he may have neglected in his crowded mind. When he settles back upon that though however, one can almost feel the energy enter his body! He quite simply turns back to his new companions and dinner though his attention is now away from food and seemingly focused solely on Sir Fenimikk for the rest of the evening short of a true emergency. His hands prepped on a note pad and ready to soon be scribbling madly!

"Arcanemagicyousay!!!WhySirFenimikkItoohavestudiedthearcaneandam
somewhatofapracticioneroftheartaswellthoughImustadmittonotnotexactlyhavingmastered
allitsfascitsIammostimpressedbyyouropenstatementofhavingsuchpowersasthosenot
enlighenedtosuchtendtoviewuswithsuchfear? (GASP!) Sodidyoustudyunder
amasterorwasitmoreafamilything?PerhapsyouaremorenaturallyattunedasIhaveheardof
thosewhogainedsuchpowerthroughheritagenottraining!ThoughIalsoheardofacabbage
thatproducedgoldonthefullmoonbutthatprovedtobeaprankbutperhapsthatwasjust
acoverup!Soinyourstudiesdidyoueverfindsuchacabbage?Doyouspecializeinanysortof...
(GASP) specificmagic?Whatareyourthougthsonthedimensional
theorypreposedbysomeandthecurrentsingledimensiontheory?Blahblahblahblahblahblah..."

This string of questioning pauses when every Khalfani looks about to answer in anyway... After such it begins anew with more questions almost instantly spawned from the new info given... All the while Josem's smile is ear to ear in the small almost non existent gaps in mouth movement!

It is mid evening when you depart the Inn, after ten in the p.m. Delsenora graciously left you directions to the cemetery, though Khalfani knows where it is. Walking through the streets, it is eerie at how quiet it is. The moon is full, which lights part of the way, but it is mostly dark. The sky is clear. As you get closer to the cemetery a feeling of something ominous permeates the air.

You've finally arrived at the cemetery and that feeling is somewhat stronger. The gates, which should be closed stand ajar. Noises can be heard from farther in the place of the dead. Suddenly, two bone chilling screams cut the air!

Despite all his outward exhibition, Robert is apprehensive as they go to the cemetery, although he does his best not to show it. The whole way through the street he has his rapier in his hand, ready for some surprise. He has brought something with him, the rest he left at the inn, just enough to be light during a fight but having everything necessary for a surprise.

During the way, he carries a hooded lantern, as he can't see in the dark.
The heavy presence he feels at the gate to the cemetery fills him with dread.


"The gate is open. This is not a good sign... Let's be careful, ok?"


He lays the lantern on the cemetery wall, so it frees one of his hands and illuminates some ground. The cry that suddenly comes from inside raises his hair, and he takes his dagger out also, now holding one weapon in each hand. He climbs to the cemetery wall, and looks around.

OOC: I'm assuming there's a low wall like 3ft or so. It would be pretty common, but it could be otherwise. Sort of a low fence, with small iron railing between stone sections (don't know how to describe this). If this is not compatible with your view, Tarlyn, please warn me. I'm just looking for some higher ground.

Thomas looks to the others and despite his firm and quiet tone does bear a look of deep concern. It is obvious that he wishes to rush in and save whoever is in danger, but he is held in check by a strong sense of discipline. "Rushing in is not going to do anyone any bit of good. It may just get someone killed. I suggest staying as a group and utilizing the gifts the night has bestowed upon us by sticking to the shadows. If anyone rushes in to a fight for the sake of glory, believe me, you shall have it and you will join all the other fools in the halls of heroes who died too young and too stupid to make any bit of difference in this world. Me, I plan on living forever" This last bit comes off as a joke, surprising to most considering the bitter and arrogant air he has presented himself in this night.

Marilee walks confidently but alertly through the town, slowing a little as she passes through the gate, nodding to Robert as he speaks. As the screams ring out she whips out her sword and raises her shield, her posture suddenly shifting. She looks dangerous, and the gleam of a predator is in her eyes. To her allies, however, her presence seems suddenly reassuring.

Stay close to me - no one get separated. Lets go!

She moves forwards towards the screams, swiftly but not at an incautious run, staying aware of her footing in the dark.

She seems to be ignoring Thomas.

Robert will try to identify the nature of the scream. Was it a human scream? Or could it be, at least?

Or is it something un-natural?
From where he is (in a taller position if possible) he looks around to try and see something. Spot or Search check?

Here's both:
Spot: 1d20+0 = 3 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3018834/)
Search: 1d20+2 = 15 (http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3018833/)

OOC Speaking of rushing in <.< it's hard not to. XD

Coin followed closely to the others. Their walk was surprisingly quite on the way there however once they arrived a scream erupted into the air he bolted three steps before he stopped noticing no one else was rushing in. He held his confusion for a moment. “Aren’t we going to help them?” asked Coin a bit naively.

Rushing in is not going to do anyone any bit of good. It may just get someone killed. I suggest staying as a group and utilizing the gifts the night has bestowed upon us by sticking to the shadows. If anyone rushes in to a fight for the sake of glory, believe me, you shall have it and you will join all the other fools in the halls of heroes who died too young and too stupid to make any bit of difference in this world. Me, I plan on living forever"

“Well we can’t just not investigate,” said Coin as they all agreed to stay together. He was good for that though he decided to take point. Probably not the smartest idea however he agreed that they should use night as their ally. He moved as quickly as he dared just off the edge of the party, trying to sneak up on whatever was ahead. Hopefully he wouldn’t stumble into trouble being far away from the group.


Hide: (don’t know if there’s any hide bonus for it being night however I just added my skill base 10)
1d20+10 → [19,10] = (29)
Link http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3019046/

Move Silently:
1d20+10 → [7,10] = (17)
Link http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3019050/

Previously, at the inn:

A G Thing wrote:"Arcanemagicyousay!!!WhySirFenimikkItoohavestudiedthearcaneandam
somewhatofapracticioneroftheartaswellthoughImustadmittonotnotexactlyhavingmastered
allitsfascitsIammostimpressedbyyouropenstatementofhavingsuchpowersasthosenot
enlighenedtosuchtendtoviewuswithsuchfear? (GASP!) Sodidyoustudyunder
amasterorwasitmoreafamilything?PerhapsyouaremorenaturallyattunedasIhaveheardof
thosewhogainedsuchpowerthroughheritagenottraining!ThoughIalsoheardofacabbage
thatproducedgoldonthefullmoonbutthatprovedtobeaprankbutperhapsthatwasjust
acoverup!Soinyourstudiesdidyoueverfindsuchacabbage?Doyouspecializeinanysortof...
(GASP) specificmagic?Whatareyourthougthsonthedimensional
theorypreposedbysomeandthecurrentsingledimensiontheory?Blahblahblahblahblahblah..."

Khalfani seems happy to entertain all of Josem's questions. He says in Gnomish: "No, no cabbage... such things are rare in Har'Akir -- oh, the pity of that! My arcane talents are not learned, but natural, unnatural though they may seem. I have my own theories about their origin -- part of the reason for my trip to this land -- yet some seem quite in keeping with my gnomish heritage and others, oddly, seem to have sprung from the spirits of my adopted homeland. Ah, you are fascinated! More I shall tell you soon. Single dimension theory, you say? That this land is part of a greater universe? Well, I do believe the various regions are separated in time as well as space and..."

At the graveyard:
Khalfani hears the scream and says to Thomas, "Rushing in, folly, yes. But walking quickly and in shadows, very good, also." He moves ahead toward the sound, yet he does not run, and he tries to keep to the shadows and cover as much as possible as he advances.

Further into the cemetery you wander together. Soon, you hear gurgling and then nothing. At first, there is nothing, then moaning can be
heard. Not just one person moaning, but many and close now. As you near the center of the cemetery a fearsome sight unfolds before you!





Zombies! And at least twenty five or more! Their attention is not on you, but on something else. Something else as well. A presence, an evil presence like nothing you've felt before.

Coin, being the first on the scene is somewhat shocked at the sight of the zombies, but remains calm. However, he is now at the base of a large mausoleum. The reason for the dread most of you have been feeling since you entered this place is now apparent and in his full glory atop the said Mausoleum!



A figure with red eyes looks down at Darren. The rogue suddenly has the urge to get away from this place as fast as he possibly can, fear lighting his behind! Turning in fear, he runs as fast as he can past everyone afraid for his life. Luckily noone sees he has soiled himself as he is now outside the cemetery a few streets away.... panting and catching his breath!


The figure eyes the rest of the party with bemusement. His gaze turns back to Thomas and he begins laughing. Now his gaze is on the young Cante. "Come here, young man, I know you or someone in your family. You can not refuse me."

Now the Zombies, which are quite larger than ones you may have already seen or heard of, turn their attention to you. The man orders "Do not harm them unless they do something foolish." The Zombies do in fact stay still and observe the party.

From his vantage point Robert hears the moaning as soon as the others and as they advance a bit more into the cemetery, he climbs down and joins them.

He feels the fear swelling inside him, something unnatural is going on and he makes an effort to stop his trembling. Sword and dagger in hand, he advances cautiously as the slow dreadful figures of the undead emerge before him. He stops in his tracks, watching their reactions and counting them, planning for a move.

When he stops counting, the plan is clear in his mind No way we can fight this, we'll have to run!

But then the large figure emerges, distinctive and noble. He addresses Thomas with an allure. Robert hisses at his companion:


"Please don't go. We must leave this place, come here another night!"

Coin gasped in another breath. What the hell had that been? More trickery with magic? His eyes had been red…. Red as a crimson stain of blood. He hardly noticed he had ran so far so quickly in fact he was surprised he could run that fast but he guessed when someone thought their life was on the line that would happen. He just noticed he had released his bowls, and only now did the embarrassment set in. Not only had he ran like a coward when he had so fearlessly arrived on the scene first but he didn’t have the mental capacity to hold his bowels in place.

He didn’t want to leave them but he needed to perhaps find a quick change of cloths, but were shops open this late? He decided to have a quick look around, to see if any shops were open. ‘Hopefully they’ll forgive me, Haven’t seen anything like that before… just who or what was that figure?’ though Coin to himself.

Search:
1d20+8 → [5,8] = (13)
Link http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3022167/


OOC If I find a shop I’d like to buy a second pair of studded Leather. I might need it at this rate. xD Also I’d like to try and gather info about the mausoleum from the shop keeper or any native nearby. Guess I’ll roll that too.

Gather Info:
1d20+7 → [2,7] = (9)
Link http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3022169/

Marilee gapes in astonishment and bites her lip. her bravado fading a little. Nevertheless her eyes narrow and she hefts her sword, eying the nearest zombie

Who are you, and what do you want with him? Did you raise these zombies? I will not allow harm to come to my companion, even if he IS an arse!